Aussie Eco Surfboards
The Gap
If you know Bruce Barker, you know he’s passionate about mental health and the environment. And Trek Shed, home of Aussie Eco Surfboards, merges these two things that he cares deeply about.
Based in The Gap, the purpose of Trek Shed is to provide a platform where eco-friendly surfboards are built using sustainable materials. It’s a place where they not only create beautiful, handcrafted boards but also contribute to the environment and raise awareness for mental health and community wellbeing, with all proceeds supporting the Trek2Health program.
Surfing has always been a connection to nature for Bruce, and building these boards in an eco-friendly way allows him to give back to the planet while supporting a cause that improves people’s lives. Trek Shed is about making something meaningful – boards that serve a purpose, inspire action, and generate funds for Trek2Health’s vital work.

The eco-friendly boards use sustainable timbers, avoiding the traditional foam core that most surfboards are made from. They also use non-toxic resins and recyclable materials wherever possible. The process minimises environmental impact, and the boards are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. On average, it takes around 40-60 hours to build each board, depending on the design and level of detail required.

They primarily use Paulownia timber, which is sourced from sustainable plantations in Australia. Paulownia is lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, making it an ideal choice for building surfboards. In some cases, they incorporate other locally sourced sustainable timbers for aesthetic details, such as Western Red Cedar, Queensland Maple, and Cambenin Ash.
So far, Aussie Eco Surfboards have built 11 boards and raised approximately $34,000 dollars. These funds go directly towards supporting veterans, first responders, and others in the community to improve their mental wellbeing.
For more: www.trek2health.org.au/trek-shed
Image caption: Bruce Barker, CEO Trek2Health and Stuart Robinson, Senior Sergeant Queensland Police Service
Photographers: Melanie Grevis-James and Colin Bushell Photography